I’m not a big fan of either Clint Eastwood (as an actor) or Jeff Bridges. I decided to see ‘Thunderbolt and Lightfoot’ because it is the debut film in 1974 by director Michael Cimino, whose next film would be ‘Deer Hunter’. Cimino is a director who, although he made only seven feature films in his career, left an indisputable mark in the history of American cinema. My surprise was pleasant, because I saw a quality entertainment film, well written (also by Cimino) and directed with a sure hand, like by a director with a lot of experience.
In ‘Thunderbolt and Lightfoot’ we are dealing with a story of friendship grafted onto a road movie and a heist movie. Thunderbolt is a bank robber whose method uses his military experience and who hides both from the lawmen and from his accomplices who suspect him (wrongly) of embezzling the money of the last hit. Lightfoot is a young man (handsome like Apollo) on his way to becoming a villain himself, who finds in Thunderbolt a role model and wants to befriend him. Circumstances bring the two together on a journey that will take them to spectacular locations in the American Midwest and give them the opportunity for a new heist. As in any other film in this category, things get wrong.
The film works well for a few reasons. Eastwood and Bridges are well cast and a credible chemistry establishes between them. Also appearing is George Kennedy, a supporting actor who I really like and who does not disappoint. The picturesque atmosphere of small American towns lost in the immensity of nature is excellently rendered. Even if the robbery part is somewhat standard, the ending returns to the theme of friendship and elevates the film. If you will recognize the influence of ‘Easy Rider’ you will agree with me. 48 years after its making, ‘Thunderbolt and Lightfoot’ is worth watching or rewatching.